Australia is home to thousands of species of mushroom – and while only a small percentage are poisonous all incidences of wild mushroom ingestion should be taken seriously. Autumn is mushroom season, so there will be more sightings of wild mushroom growth from March through to the end of May.
Here’s a rundown of some mushrooms to watch out for.
Poisonous Mushrooms
In Autum, wild mushroom ingestion is one of the most common reasons that pet owners phone the Animal Poisons Helpline – a charity service offering fast advice on possible poison and toxicity cases in pets. Some instances of wild mushroom ingestion cause no issues, while other instances cause gastrointestinal upsets and severe cases can be fatal.
Which Mushrooms are Poisonous to Dogs?
Who: Aseroe Rubra (commonly called ‘starfish fungus’)
What: This mushroom, which has a distinctive alien-like appearance, has an unusual spore mass, which emits a strong odour resembling faeces or decaying meat. This scent attracts flies, who then disperse the fungus's spores, thereby aiding its reproduction. Despite their repelling smell, these mushrooms are intriguingly to pets, where even dogs that are usually picky eaters may try and eat them.
Where: New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Tasmania and New Zealand (North and South Island)
Who: Amanita phalloides (commonly called ‘death cap mushrooms’)
What: While they are fairly unremarkable in appearance, death cap mushrooms are a highly poisonous mushroom that will cause liver and kidney failure if medical attention is not sought out immediately. Unfortunately, death cap mushrooms closely resemble other edible species of mushroom and are a common culprit when it comes to mushroom poisoning.
Where: Australian Capital Territory, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales.
Who: Fly Agaric (instantly recognisable as the fairytale toadstool mushroom)
What: While these mushrooms may appear like something out of a children’s storybook, their ingestion is no fairytale. They are toxic to dogs, and if ingested, owners are advised to seek immediate medical attention for their pet.
Where: Australian Capital Territory, Victoria, Tasmania, New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia.
Other dangerous species of mushrooms found in Australia and New Zealand Include:
• Deadly Webcap (Cortinarius Rubellus)
• Funeral Bell (Galerina Marginata)
• Destroying Angel (Amanita Virosa)
• Fool’s Funnel (Clitocybe Rivulosa)
• Panther Cap (Amanita Pantherine)
• Angel’s Wings (Pleurocybella Porrigens)
Signs of Toxicity in Dogs
• Vomiting and diarrhea
• Salivation and excessive drooling
• Muscle weakness and incoordination
• Twitching or seizures
• Lethargy or agitation
• Hallucinations (evident through abnormal behaviours) – this symptom will only present itself if your dog has ingested a hallucinogenic strain of mushroom.
If you suspect your dog has ingested wild mushrooms, don’t wait for signs of toxicity to seek vet help as symptoms can come on slowly and by then the toxins can have already done extensive internal damage.
Tips to Avoid Mushroom Ingestion in Pets
• Be careful when walking your pets during Autumn, particularly in the days following heavy rain.
• Keep your dogs on leash during walks, particularly when walking in wooded or bush areas – or in areas you’re unfamiliar with.
• Keep an eye on your backyard and remove any wild mushrooms that sprout up before your dog can eat them.
• If you suspect your dog has eaten wild mushrooms, take them to the vet and bring a sample of the mushroom if possible. Use gloves when collecting samples, as these can be harmful even to touch. Clearly label the bag you store them in and keep it out of reach of both children and pets.
What to Do If Your Dog Ingests Wild Mushrooms
1. Act Quickly: If you suspect your dog has eaten this mushroom, act immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.
2. Seek Professional Vet Care: Contact your veterinarian or an emergency vet clinic right away. They may instruct you to induce vomiting under their guidance or bring your dog in for immediate treatment.
3. Treatment: Treatment usually involves inducing vomiting, administering activated charcoal to absorb toxins, and providing supportive care such as IV fluids and monitoring.
4. Bring a Sample: If possible, safely collect a sample of the mushroom or any remnants your dog may have vomited. This can help the vet confirm the identification and tailor the treatment.
FAQs for Wild Mushrooms and Dogs
What food can kill dogs instantly?
There are several foods that are toxic to dogs and should be avoided – though symptoms tend to present themselves slowly and ‘kill instantly’ is quite extreme and not accurate in most cases. Many toxic foods may cause severe illness and can be fatal if not treated promptly, but they typically do not cause immediate death upon ingestion.
Can dogs eat mushrooms?
Yes, dogs can eat certain types of mushrooms, but it's essential to be cautious and selective about which mushrooms they consume. It’s advised to get store-bought mushrooms to be sure of what you’re giving your dog, and always cook them prior to giving them to your pet. Plain, cooked mushrooms from the grocery store, such as white button mushrooms or portobello mushrooms, are generally safe for dogs in moderation.